Matecna: This Year’s Harvest Rich; Prices to Go Down

Modra, July 22 (TASR) – This year’s harvest of crops will probably be the largest in recent years, with yields per hectare above average,” said Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matecna (Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) at a briefing on Friday.

Speaking in the middle of a wheat field in Modra, Matecna earlier in the day met with Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber (SPPK) chairman Milan Semancik and other agricultural experts also present at the briefing.

“Wheat field yields have increased,” said Matecna. “We certainly aren’t a major player in the global crops markets that determine the price. So, even with a greater volume and larger areas I keep my fingers crossed for all those who cultivate crops.” Her hope is that the farmers will manage to sell their production for as much as possible.

According to Semencik, the harvest season isn’t finished yet, but by Monday (July 18) farmers had harvested around 40 percent of wheat, 40 percent of barley and almost 80 percent of rapeseed.

“All fields harvested are indicating above-average yields,” said Semencik. He added that extraordinary yields have also been recorded in neighbouring countries such as Hungary, as well as Romania. “It seems that there will once again be a surplus of crop and global reserves will increase,” he added.

Slovak crop production exceeds consumption, therefore Slovakia depends on exports. “If we estimate this year’s production of around 3 million tons, we can already say that we need to export 1.5 million tons of crop,” said the SPPK chairman.

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